Friday, April 29, 2011

Two More Solid Picks for the Cowboys in Rounds 2 & 3

The Cowboys are on their way to putting together their best draft since at least 2005 after two more solid picks in rounds 2 and 3. They aren't going flashy, but they are picking solid players who can step in a contribute immediately.

In round 2, the Cowboys picked Bruce Carter. He'll fit in nicely at inside linebacker. While the Cowboys may not need someone to step in immediately at middle linebacker with Bradie James, Keith Brooking, and Sean Lee already there the two starters are getting up there in age. Keith Brooking has one season left with the Cowboys if he even stays with the team. Bradie James is starting to slow down. So it makes perfect sense to find another heir apparent in the middle of the defense along with Sean Lee. Carter is an excellent athlete but he is recovering from a knee injury which is why the Cowboys were able to land such a talented player all the way in round 2. Assuming he gets back to full speed he could be a long term starter.

The end of Marion Barber's time in Dallas may have come when the Cowboys picked DeMarco Murray in the 3rd round. The Cowboys now have three running backs on the roster and you can bet that all three won't be back next year. With Barber's ridiculous contract I would bet he'll be the odd man out. DeMarco Murray will fit in nicely with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Choice will probably take over the short yardage/goal line role with Felix Jones starting. That makes DeMarco Murray the 3rd down/change up back. Murray is an excellent pass blocker and a great receiver out of the back field. I love the pick. Probably the best feature for Murray this season is his ability to return kicks. So the Cowboys can let Dez Bryant exclusively return punts and focus on wide receiver this year.

I'm waiting for the Cowboys to find some depth on the defensive line but I can't complain when they are not only addressing high need positions, but they are also filling the roster holes with players who can get on the field this year. I hope they continue finding guys who can help now and develop into starters down the road. Tyron Smith will most likely start this year. Carter and Murray both have the ability to become starters very soon.

1 comment:

What's up Romo2Witten, I'm baaack. Keep up the good work but do me two favors. Factor into your analysis of our picks who was left on the board at the time we picked (ala Bowers still on the board when we took Carter). When the draft is over go back through our schedule and factor into your analysis who our opponents picked up in the draft (ala facing Suh and Fairley when we play Detroit.